For those of us that have been lucky enough to traverse the famous climbs of the Alps or the Dolomites or the Pyrenees, it can be the ride of a lifetime.

But to have the support of mechanics, soigneurs, and other support staff, as well as hundreds of fellow riders, is usually something saved for the professionals.

Likewise, having that behind you for a multi-day event where you make your way through some of the world’s toughest cycling terrain is something that is difficult to top.

That’s why the Haute Route is so unique, allowing you to focus 100 per cent on the difficult challenge in front of you and not having to worry about hotels, luggage and general logistics of your trip.

Here, experts who’ve ridden and experienced the event reveal how it changed them, and how they felt riding through some of the world’s most notable cycling climbs like Mont Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez and the Passo dello Stelvio.